A Legacy of Stewardship: Hightower Family Reflects on Giving Back to UWG as Community ResponsibilityShare this page
The Hightower family’s history and philanthropy in the west Georgia region date back several generations. These deep roots have shaped lifelong commitments to service and stewardship, values that have guided both their professional work and their philanthropic support of the University of West Georgia and the broader community.
That sense of responsibility is perhaps most evident in the family business, Hightower Family Funeral Homes, founded in 1928 and now nearing its 100th year of service to the community. As third-and fourth-generation funeral directors, father and daughter Bryant and Cason Hightower view their work not just as a profession, but as a calling.
“It is truly a ministry,” Bryant shared. “We're helping families at a time when they cannot help themselves. Ninety percent of the time when we sit with a family to help them through those dark hours, we're sitting with friends, and it's just an extension of what we do as a community.”
That ministry has reinforced a profound sense of accountability – one that extends beyond their business and into the well-being of the community. For the Hightowers, philanthropy has never been about recognition or prominence. Instead, giving is viewed as a responsibility that is guided by values and the greater good of the region.
“To whom much is given, much is also expected,” Cason said, echoing a value that was instilled in her by her grandad and her parents. “I think it's important to make this a better place to live and work for our family, the families who we're serving and the families who are part of our team, who we're so lucky to have.”
Bryant explained that while everyone in their family has different philanthropic interests, investing in education is a shared commitment and that investing in UWG leads to better outcomes throughout the region. This shared commitment to education and the greater community is part of what led them to become key supporters of UWG Athletics.
Athletics is often referred to as the front porch of the university, where the broader community, alumni and students gather to build fellowship and camaraderie, while elevating the university’s profile and expanding opportunities for student-athletes.
The Hightower family sees this elevation as a mutual benefit for the community as well, attracting not only students but building the workforce in the area. Through sustained commitment and active participation in the Champions Council, Hightower Family Funeral Homes played a pivotal role in strengthening UWG Athletics and helping position the university for its historic transition to Division I competition.
“The Hightower family embodies the values of stewardship and collective responsibility, and they show that by immersing themselves in the community through their work, relationships and philanthropy,” said Allyson Bretch ’14, vice president for university advancement and CEO of UWG’s philanthropic foundations. “Their dedicated support has made a lasting impact on the UWG community and especially UWG Athletics and our transition to a Division I university. We are grateful for the family’s intentionality, connection and generosity.”
If you would like to get involved, Bryant recommends staying engaged through your philanthropic support – see your dollars in action by attending games, events and performances that the university offers. For more information about how you can make an impact by supporting UWG, please visit UWG’s Give West page.
photography by Hailey Wilkinson